Investigation of an outbreak of neonatal calf diarrhoea in a dairy herd

Neonatal calf diarrhoea can have a severe impact on health and growth of the individual affected. It also leads to significant economic losses in herds with high disease incidence. This case report documents the investigation and follow‐up of a dairy herd with increased incidence of neonatal diarrhoea and scours‐related mortality of calves. It also reflects how managing the expansion of a herd inappropriately can cause several losses, particularly in young stock. Treatment of individual sick animals, corrective and preventive measures are also discussed. It is also highlighted that a continuous monitoring programme of the progress of the herd and checking that recommended practices continue once the incidence of diarrhoea decreases is vital for preventing a recurrence of a following outbreak.